25.4.14

NEW: Paul Mitchell Neuro Smoothing Irons & Styling Sprays

After purchasing my first pair of straighteners way back in 2001, I haven't looked back. Although my debut pair were powered by a removable gas pod, things have moved on somewhat in the last ten years. GHDs revolutionised the market, providing us all with poker straight hair for the first time (and damaged locks alongside it,) charging £100 for the privilege. However, hair straighteners and stylers from other brands are well worth looking at if you're after a more 'styled' and natural look; although GHDs are great at achieving a super sleek finish, they do remove any hint of movement and have a tendency to make hair look limp. Paul Mitchell are a rather new player in the electrical market, but they do bring decades of professional hairdressing experience to the party. I use their hair products regularly, so putting their new Neuro Smoothing Irons to the test was a natural progression. So, how did they stand up?

Paul Mitchell's Neuro Smoothing Irons
are great for creating smooth styles, flips or waves - perfect for
those of us that need a little more movement in our hair. They feature
an exterior LCD display which clearly shows the mode and temperature
setting, heating up to 232°C in as little as 30 seconds (although I
wouldn't recommend you go over 180°C to avoid damaging the hair
surface.) A 'SmartSense' microchip monitors the temperature for
even heat distribution, ensuring the plates glide through your hair in
one easy pass to instantly leave it looking smooth. Not only do these
smoothing irons feature a customisable auto shut-off function so you
don't leave burn marks all over your bedroom, but they're super light
and easy to use.

As I've just had my hair chopped off into a long bob, I need a styling tool that's going to create smoothness without removing all movement or bounce. These irons really help me to create a combination which is sometimes impossible with other tools - especially GHDs. I love the slightly larger plates, that help to create a little flick on the ends of my hair which frames my face. I've actually stopped using my GHDs and Cloud Nines completely since recieving these; they were great for straightening my longer hair when it was in that in-between stage, but since it's been styled the Paul Mitchell Neuro Smoothing Irons really are my new best friend.

These aren't cheap as chips, but they are cheaper than a pair of GHDs. At £89.95 you know you're getting quality and expertise that will keep your style looking great for longer. If you want to create fab flicks, waves or movement in your hair, then it's also worth checking out Paul Mitchell's newest sprays: Dry Wash and Stay Strong. This dry shampoo is much lighter than other budget buys, providing hair with a light texture that's great for second day hair (or even on shorter styles like mine.) The Stay Strong spray is also a fab holding spray that keeps your style in place all day, without the horrendous crunchy feeling or wet look. They're the perfect accompaniments to a tool designed to provide the effortless style you've always wanted.

The Paul Mitchell Neuro Smoothing Irons are available online priced £89.95. Dry Wash is priced £18.95 for a 252ml can, while Stay Strong is priced £16.50 for a giant 360ml can.